Willits bypass progress report

CalTrans has completed tree and vegetation removal along the southern sector of the planned Highway 101 bypass around Willits and began fencing and tree cutting along the northern sector on Monday.

The northern sector was abuzz with activity with biologists, birders, excavators, fence installers and tree cutters all at work along a broad corridor.

"The project has completed all the tree and brush removal in the southern sector needed for this summer's work plan," says CalTrans spokesman Phil Frisbie.

Another tree sitter known only as "Owl" has set up housekeeping in a grove of oaks in the southern sector, according to Earth First! spokeswoman Naomi Wagner. This sixth tree-sitter of the bypass protest moved in over the weekend.

Sherwood Valley Rancheria Chairman Michael Fitzgerral notified TWN the letter sent from CalTrans Director Malcomb Daugherty to California Senator Noreen Evans erroneously listed the Rancheria as being in favor of the bypass project.

"This statement is incorrect and misleading," says Fitzgerral. "The Sherwood Valley Rancheria is a federally recognized Indian tribe and sovereign nation. The tribe does not support the Willits bypass."

Fitzgerral contacted Daugherty's office about the error, but as of press time his call had not been returned.

In addition to the issue of the bypass in general, the Rancheria is concerned about whether it received sufficient notice and consultation about the handling of possible archaeological findings along the bypass route.

"The tribe is currently disputing whether CalTrans adequately consulted with the Tribe [concernding the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106] regarding the Willits Bypass Project," said Fitzgerral.

Protesters held a Rally for the Valley on Saturday afternoon in support of the five tree sitters removed from the bypass route on April 2. About 150 supporters attended.

The first tree sitter Amanda "Warbler" Senseman remains on the hunger strike she began March 28. She is resting at home and is hoping to get back to tending her flock of goats on Green Uprising Farm.

"It feels good to be connected with all the energy on the ground," says Senseman reflecting on the odd sense of isolation spending more than two months in a tree creates. "I'm going through a bit of an adjustment period, I feel more grounded."

Senseman has been advised to restrict comments about her April 2 arrest just in case there are legal implications. She did confirm the officers took her from the tree to the hospital for a checkup before she was booked into Mendocino County Jail.

"I'm doing fine. I have lots of support and consultation about fasting," she says. "I'm more concerned about the reports of CalTrans cutting trees on the north end.

"The rally had lots of good energy. I'm really excited there is a lot of momentum to work going forward.